Wieliczka Salt Mines

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the major tourist attractions in Kraków and Poland as a whole. Many visitors ask us about the easiest way to get there—in this post, we aim to answer that question.

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About Wieliczka

Wieliczka is a charming little town about 10 kilometres south-east of Kraków. Its historic salt mine is arguably the biggest tourist attraction in Lesser Poland (alongside Auschwitz). Recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1978, the mine dates back to the 13th century. While the historic pits are open to the public, salt mining continues in another part of the mine to this day.

In addition to the mine, visitors should consider exploring the local Cracow Saltworks Museum, the town market, or one of the historic churches. In this article, we will guide you on how to plan your visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine!

Wieliczka Salt Mine – How Much Time Do You Need for a Tour?

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in the heart of the village and is just a 30-minute journey from Kraków Główny. The underground tourist route takes approximately three hours to complete. Plan for at least half a day for the entire trip.

However, it’s well worth taking some extra time to explore the charming town centre or visit the local Cracow Saltworks Museum (Muzeum Żup Krakowskich). You might also consider the second tourist route in the historic mine, known as the ‘Miners’ Route’ (Trasa Górnicza). If you want to fully experience all that Wieliczka has to offer, it’s best to plan for a full day.

If you’re short on time, check out our tips on how to organise a visit to both Auschwitz and Wieliczka in a single day.

Wieliczka Salt Mine – How to Get There?

Many tourists visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine with the help of various travel agencies. In our opinion, this is unnecessary as the trip can easily be done independently. Wieliczka is located on the outskirts of Kraków, and getting there on your own is not a problem. Once you arrive, you’ll need to join the underground tourist route, which is led by an official guide from the mine. So, how do you get to Wieliczka? Let us explain the options!

By Train

In our opinion, taking the train is the easiest and most pleasant way to get to Wieliczka. The destination station is Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia, served by the SKA1 line operated by Koleje Małopolskie (Lesser Poland Railways). Be aware that the English announcements on the train refer to this station as ‘Wieliczka Salt Mines’—a name you won’t actually see on any signs, either at the station or on the train. Luckily, it’s the final stop on this line, so you can’t miss it!

Trains depart from Kraków Główny station, usually from Platform 1, but it’s always a good idea to check for any last-minute platform changes. Be careful not to board a train heading towards Babice Airport, as this is the other direction on the SKA1 line! Trains run every 30 minutes (or hourly in the evening), and the journey from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia takes less than 25 minutes.

You can buy tickets at the station’s ticket offices or from one of the ticket machines, including one conveniently located by the stairs to Platform 1. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use the ticket machine on the train, though it tends to be slow. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from the conductor, but note that starting your journey at Kraków Główny may incur a surcharge for tickets bought on board. For the most convenient option, download a mobile app such as ‘Jak dojadę’, where you can purchase tickets directly.

Once you arrive in Wieliczka, you’ll need to walk the final 400 metres to the mine. The main ticket offices and the entrance to the most popular route—the Tourist Route—are located behind the bus station, just a five-minute walk away. Cross the main street near the station and follow a side street uphill to reach the entrance.

Bus

A second convenient option for reaching the Wieliczka Salt Mine is by bus. The connection to the centre of Kraków is provided by the well-known line 304, and the timetable can be found here. Buses depart from Pawia Street, next to Galeria Krakowska shopping centre and adjacent to Kraków Główny train station.

Although the journey takes almost twice as long as the train (38 minutes without traffic), buses run more frequently during rush hours and in the evenings. The bus stop, 200 metres from the mine, is called ‘Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli’.

Car

For those travelling by car, paid (private) car parks are available directly opposite the Daniłowicz Shaft (Szyb Daniłowicza), the main entrance to the Salt Mine. Parking is also available near the railway and bus stations. Alternatively, you can try your luck finding a space on the streets of Wieliczka, but be aware that street parking is also paid, and spaces are limited.

Tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine – Tourist and Miners’ Routes

Tourist Route

The historic salt mine offers two main tourist routes. The most famous and frequently visited is the ‘Tourist Route’ (Trasa Turystyczna). It is an excellent starting point to learn about the history of the mine and discover its key attractions.

The tour begins at the Daniłowicz Shaft, and over the course of more than two hours, you’ll explore 3 kilometres of underground tunnels and climb (or descend) a total of 800 stairs. Along the way, you’ll visit fascinating underground salt chambers adorned with stunning sculptures, including the magnificent Chapel of St. Kinga. The tour concludes with the option to enjoy the services of an underground restaurant—a unique experience!

Miners’ Route

The second underground route is the ‘Miners’ Route’ (Trasa Górnicza). It starts at the Regis Shaft (Szyb Regis), a ten-minute walk from the Daniłowicz Shaft. The pleasant walk to the entrance passes the Saltworks Castle (home to the Cracow Saltworks Museum) and St Clement’s Church—both worth a visit if you have the time.

This route is ideal for those keen to learn about the mining profession and is especially enjoyable for families with children. During the tour, you’ll measure methane levels, navigate through the mine, dig for salt, and participate in other hands-on activities that give a glimpse into the essential tasks of a miner.

Audioguides to Cracow

Original audiogudies to Cracow

Three awesome audio guides, offline map, a wealth of tourist info!

Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine – How to Buy Tickets?

Purchase your tickets online through the official mine website. Even if you’re visiting during the low season, it’s best to book your visit in advance for peace of mind.

Wieliczka, Bochnia Salt Mine, and … Auschwitz

Once you’ve finished exploring the Wieliczka Salt Mine, take some time to stroll around the charming town of Wieliczka. Visit the Cracow Saltworks Museum to learn more about the history of salt mining in the region. Nearby, you’ll find the historic St Clement’s Church, as well as the small but picturesque market square, perfect for a brief stop.

If your appetite for exploration isn’t yet satisfied, remember that there’s another similar attraction in the Lesser Poland region: the Bochnia Salt Mine, located just a few dozen kilometres further east. If you enjoyed Wieliczka, you’re bound to appreciate Bochnia as well. For more information, visit the Bochnia Mine website.

We also mentioned the Auschwitz extermination camps earlier in this article. Auschwitz is perhaps the most visited site in Poland and draws countless tourists each year. In another post, we explain how to get there, and we also address a common concern: is it possible to visit both Wieliczka and Auschwitz in one day? We invite you to read more on the subject.

Finally, if you haven’t yet explored Kraków, we encourage you to discover St Mary’s Basilica, Kraków Market Square, and Wawel Cathedral with our original audio guides. You can find them in our Kraków guide.